Mar. 11, 2010 - Communication Corner ~ Be Clear About Your Time Zones

Daylight Savings Time is a great time for us to be reminded of a communication issue facing us today as never before.  As we spend more and more time communicating to the world on the internet, it is increasingly important that we make reference to more than just the time of an event. 

I've seen people send out invites to a podcast or an online party by saying:

"Join me this Thursday at 8am for some really great thing you won't want to miss!" 

Unfortunately, that leaves many of us wondering if we will miss it.  Is that 8am PST, MST, CST or EST?  Or is it another standard time across the globe?  Last year I was invited to an event I thought would be fabulous.  I just wasn't able to reach the person posting in time to get the time zone clarified for the event so I missed it.  So did a lot of people. 

It's always best to put in more than one time zone too as some people are not sure how they relate. 

"Join me this Thursday at 8am PST/11am EST...."

The more clear/precise you can be in your directions, the more effective you will be and the more attendees will be able to find your event. 

A time saving tip from your friends at Art of Eloquence.com!

P.S.  If you happen to live in a part of the world that does NOT participate in Daylight Savings Time (like parts of Arizona) please do remember to change all of your online appointments in your Outlook calendar or elsewhere.  Though the time doesn't change for us, the TIME ZONE does!

• Post A Comment!

Mar. 10, 2010 - Homeschooling Through High School ~ Got Girls?

This week's entry honoring National Women's History Month is a bit of an extension of my last month's writings.  We've been talking about developing our emerging adults' (our high schoolers') "saltiness."  I began to think of the many wonderful young ladies in our circle of family friends whom I've come to know and love over the last 6 or 7 years.  These young ladies are being carefully and intentionally raised for the Lord, and to esteem the role of wife and mother, and I am so grateful to their parents!  (I have two sons, you know...)

At the same time, I know that among homeschoolers, in my close circle of friends and abroad, there are many strong opinions about what is "best" for these homeschooled daughters.  I have personally heard both ends of this spectrum, plus everything in the middle:

"My daughter will stay at home, under the protection of her father, and will serve God by serving her father and our family until He brings a husband to her in His perfect time."

"My daughter is going to college to get her degree and plan for a career; if God brings a husband to her, and she then decides to be a full-time wife and mother, that's wonderful...but she will finish her education and have that degree." 

I tell you what, this is one hot debate.  I won't "weigh in" here, at least not directly.  I see incredible validity in both points.  I see serious potential problems in both points.

What I will say is this, and I've said it before in my "Engage!" article series: these children are given to us by God to raise for Him for a season...and then, to give them back.  Back to Him.  Serving our daddies and our families as young adults is good.  It's valid.  It's worthwhile.  Praise God for the daddies who are guarding their young adult daughters hearts from unworthy guys who would prey upon their beauty and innocence!
But here's something to think about: as these young women (and how about the daughters at home who are nearing their 25th or 30th birthdays, and to whom God has not yet brought a husband?) grow and mature, are we giving them back to Him?  Are they daily seeking God's direction for these years of unbridled time and physical energy, when they are not yet bound in childrearing and homemaking? (Do NOT get me wrong...it's a GOOD thing to be bound to!)
My thoughts turned to such questions this week as I finished yet another enjoyable read from the YWAM Publishing Series, "Christian Heroes Then & Now."  These are quick and easy reads, but not without impact.  I have read, among others, these biographies (all descriptions are taken directly from YWAM Publishing's webpages for each book):

• Gladys Aylward  Gladys Aylward, a housemaid from England, dared to trust God in the face of dire and seemingly hopeless circumstances. Her amazing adventure of faith and determination is one of the truly great missionary stories of our era (1902-1970).
  
• Amy Carmichael  Amy Carmichael's life was one of simple, determined obedience to God, regardless of the consequences. Her service in India is a vivid example of the impact one person who will fear God and nothing else can have.
  
• Corrie ten Boom Corrie ten Boom's life of determination, faith, and forgiveness in the face of unimaginable brutality and hardship is a stunning testimony of the sustaining power of God (1892-1983).
  
• Mary Slessor  While many missionaries died within months, this fiery mill worker from Scotland labored in love among the unreached tribes of Africa's Calabar region for thirty-nine years (1848-1915).  One of my top 3 favs!!!
  
• Betty Green WWII veteran Betty Greene's desire to use airplanes to help spread the gospel was realized when she helped found the Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) (1920-1997).
  
• Lottie Moon  After becoming the most educated woman in the American South, Lottie Moon (1840-1912) spent thirty-nine years in China. As she watched her fellow missionaries fall to disease and exhaustion, she became just as dedicated to educating Christians about the often preventable tragedies of missionary life as she was to educating Chinese people about the Christian life.
  
• Ida Scudder  During nearly sixty years in India, Dr. Ida Scudder pioneered rural healthcare and the medical training of Indian women. An amazing testimony to the courage, compassion, and truth found in Christ (1870-1960).  One of my top 3 favs!!!
  
• Lillian Thrasher  Others thought that a lone American woman in Egypt would surely be killed or starve to death. Instead she cared for thousands of desperate children, with unwavering faith that God does indeed look after the orphans (1887-1961).  One of my top 3 favs!!!
  
• Florence Young  New Zealander Florence Young (1856-1940) rose to her calling and became a fearless and faithful witness for Jesus Christ in the remote and dangerous Solomon Islands and in China during the deadly Boxer Rebellion.
  
• Rachel Saint  Despite the martyrdom of five missionaries by Waorani spears, Rachel boldly persisted in following God. In one of the greatest testimonies to God's grace and power in our time, this pioneering Bible translator would live for two decades with her own brother's killers, for the joy of seeing them become brothers and sisters in Christ (1914-1994).

As I read these wonderful books, the over-arching message stood out in stark relief: God called these brave young women into HIS service.  These were young women who were listening for His call.  By obeying Him, they were able to do nothing short of miraculous feats through the power of Jesus Christ.

Even if your daughter's deepest heart's desire is to become a wife and mother (just like me!), I highly recommend that she becomes familiar with some of these remarkable women of faith.  God may have His eye on your young adult daughter to do a remarkable work for His service, like one of the women from the YWAM Publishers series.  He may want her to volunteer her time in a soup kitchen, or assist a Christian magazine publisher like "Above Rubies" for His glory.
Speaking of Above Rubies, its founder, Nancy Campbell, is a modern-day pioneer of the faith!  You can learn more about her story in a series of 3 short videos, HERE.  In the second video clip, Nancy mentions the overwhelming office-work load of the ministry.  Did you know that Above Rubies  offers graduated homeschooled young women a 2-month missions opportunity in Tennessee  to help them with their magazine and web tasks?  They call them "Rubies' Girls."  After you've watched the videos, if you want more information, click HERE and scroll down to "Volunteer Opportunities."

The high school years need to be a time of training for many things, but most importantly for seeking God's will and listening for His voice, and being prepared to answer His call with, "Here am I, send me."  

May God Bless you and your homeschool this week!

~Lori

• Post A Comment!

Mar. 9, 2010 - Kitchen Moments ~ Cookbook for Quick Breakfast Ideas

With Daylight Saving Time just days away, I thought you might like a book recommendation for some quick family friendly breakfast ideas; especially since breakfast time will be coming even earlier next week! 

The Vegetarian Family Cookbook by Nava Atlas has excellent ideas for making breakfast not only fast but healthy.  Even though my family isn't vegetarian, I use  this book quite a bit, and is one I frequently pick up when I want to add something new to the menu.  Many of the recipes can be adapted easily if your family would like some eggs, cheese, or meat on the breakfast plate.  Here are just a few of the tasty breakfast ideas and recipes in this book: Cream Cheese & Berry Rollups, Breakfast Quesadillas, breakfast sandwiches, Yogurt Pancakes and Muffin Tin Popovers. 

Check out this great book for adding some delicious new dishes to your menu plan this week.  Not limited to breakfast, you'll find plenty of recipes for lunch, dinner and snack-time, as well! 

Blessings,

Catherine

 

Catherine Love lives in the heart of Texas with her husband Carl, and their 3 daughters, Sarah, Hannah, and Cana.  They enjoy cooking, gardening, and learning new things as they seek to live a lifestyle of learning together as a family.  You can read Catherine's Kitchen Adventures and more on her blog- Seeds of Love.

• Post A Comment!

Mar. 8, 2010 - Could Your 5-Year-Old Be Labeled As An Offender?

Students in the UK who use "hate speech" may become registered offenders who are then put on a list of  other such offenders. This will also stay in their permanent school records.

If this is what can happen to children, what happens to parents? Sin cannot be spoken out against, according to the law. No matter how nicely you try to put it. Love the sinner, hate the sin, isn't even going to cut it.

Ugly speech is not appropriate for anyone, let alone small children, but to become a criminal at the age of 5 or 10, at a time when they are still being trained to be kind is absurd. Bring your children home so they're careers aren't destroyed before they can even write.

Tia Linschied
Senior Editor of HSB

• Post A Comment!

Mar. 15, 2010 - From the Heart ~ There is a Monster at the End of this Blog!

Dear reader, I am so glad I caught you early. You can stop reading right now. Did you not hear me? Please cease and desist reading this blog! Don't you know there is a monster at the end of this blog?! It is a terrible, terrible thing!

Should I tell you what it is~ so will you politely stop reading? In order to fairly warn you I will hint at the evil that awaits. Here is your clue: It occurs on March 20th this year. That is it! I can't say more~ why are you still reading?! Don't you know the horrible thing that happens on this dreaded day?! You don't want to know, I tell you~ so please close this blog~ close your computer~ and never look back!!

I see you have not listened to my warnings. I tell you~ it is every homeschooler's worst fear. Dare I tell you~ you are pushing me into this you know? You had fair warning to get away~ but you would not heed them. Breathe deeply~ you are about to discover the dreaded monster at the end of this blog.

The dreaded monster that rears its ugly head March 20th is . . . The First Day of Spring!! Eek! I told you it was scary. My first grader is only on Lifepac Worktext number 8. Do you know what that means?! We are not at Lifepac Worktext number 10~ and Spring is almost here. And, do you know what comes after Spring? I cannot even tell you, it is so horrid.

Wait, did you say we are on Lifepac Worktext Number 8? That means.. we still have time to complete the curriculum. If we do one Worktext a month (if I dare I include the dreaded March 20th date) we will be done with 1st grade in May on schedule. Hooray! And you were worried. You are so silly!

I hope you enjoyed this little parody of my favorite childhood story The Monster at the End of This Book. You remember perhaps, lovable Grover (everyone's favorite monster until Elmo came around). Grover did not realize that HE was the monster at the end of the book, and there was really nothing to be afraid of as he warned his readers not to turn the page!

Sometimes I feel like the monster at the end of the school year. I get nervous (you didn't notice did you?) that I won't finish my curriculum and that my children will be light years behind the public school kid next door, and the kid in the co-op who does chess, Latin, and knits afghans with his toes. You know the kid! He ruins it for everyone!

However, I am trying to listen to those veteran homeschool moms who have come before me, who tell me I do NOT have to finish all of my curriculum and that my children will somehow learn what they need to learn in spite of me. How rude~ don't you think?! The truth hurts!

To all you homeschool mommies out there that might have a tendency to dread Spring or Summer, fearing that you have not completed your motherly homeschool duties, maybe we should take a lesson from a furry, lovable monster named Grover. The monster at the end of the book (or this blog) is really not so scary after all. Maybe we should all put down the Math Worktext number 8, and dare I say it . . . (it is too crazy to mention!) go out and smell the flowers with our kids. Well okay~ here goes . . . That wasn't so scary :)

Evonne Mandella is a Jewish Homeschooling Mom who loves her Savior Jesus Christ! She also loves teaching families to learn to read Hebrew and Greek in minutes with her revolutionary easy reading method found in her "Read Hebrew Today" and "Read New Testament Greek Today" Series and her fun loving Hands-On Bible Curriculum "Wholesome Learning." She is married to her love and homeschools her two wonderful children- but she's not biased. She would love to connect with you at www.wholesomelearning.com or you are invited to contact her by email at evonnemandella@yahoo.com

• Post A Comment!

Mar. 6, 2010 - Special Words for Special Needs ~ Women's Blessings

There is a new kid on the block!  Evonne Mandella has join the Company Porch! She wrote "From the Heart~ Sister Sufferagette"   welcome my friend! I can't wait to read more of your column in the weeks ahead!

This month is National Women's History Month.

I was pleased to find a wonderful complilation of christian women's achievements.
 Annie's "Women's History Month" Page http://www.annieshomepage.com/whistory.html
 
I am so divided on this topic. On one hand I am happy to see the great strides that ladies have contributed to the world. The Lord has gifted each of us. That is a wonderful thing. On the other so often this month is turned into a feminist rant. The idea of women achieving means that the woman must with one hand parent, and with the other hand remake Wallstreet. Those of us that deliberately chose to stay in the home, caring for our husband and children are ridiculed and pitied.

I am blessed with four lovely daughters. I strive to teach them what God says is our duty and responsibility. I do not agree with the idea that this places a burden on women. That by following God's commands women will be sad and diminished.

No! I believe with all my heart that women only truly come into a freedom of heart when they follow the Lord's will. This maybe to write a book that encourages all people to rethink slavery. This maybe that the Lord graces you with 6 children. Walk the path the Lord has set you. Keep you eye's on Him and not the whispers of the world.

Are you blessed with a gifted girl? Many assume that all gifted children grow into gifted adults that achieve huge things for science and industry, or create masterpieces that shift the world of art forever. It is laughable in secular gifted circles to suggest you want to raise a family. Go be a missionary. Or keep you singing talents for your church and thus God. Raise your child with a strong foundation to ignore those mutterings.

I will end with this. I am only for each of you as a family, as a woman, or as a daughter searching God's word for your place in the world.

Matthew 6:33 KJV

Ladies speak up what do you think? How are you teaching your daughter's God's will? Or do you think I am wrong?



Heather lives in West Virginia. She and her husband have been homeschooling their 5 children for 8 years.  Due to a genetic disorder their children have multiple special needs. Heather is also dealing with personal health difficulties. Living life to the fullest for the glory of God is their goal!  Visit Heather's page at  www.homeschoolblogger.com/gfcfmomofmany/ or at www.specialneedshomeschooling.com

• Post A Comment!

Mar. 6, 2010 - Homeschooling Only One ~ Women in History

To be honest I was a bit shy of this topic. Not because women did not make a mark in history, but being an event relatively newly created, and possibly stemming straight from the "Women's Movement" of the 1970s.... I wasn't sure what I might find. (And there were certain things that were on some of the links, that I wouldn't want my daughter (if I had one) or my son to go perusing.) So before I continue, remember the tried and true warning:  Surfer beware!

 

http://www.infoplease.com/spot/womensintro1.html   

Women's history was also part of a larger movement that transformed the study of history in the United States. "History" had traditionally meant political history—a chronicle of the key political events and of the leaders, primarily men, who influenced them. But by the 1970s "the new social history" began replacing the older style. Emphasis shifted to a broader spectrum of American life, including such topics as the history of urban life, public health, ethnicity, the media, and poverty. 

The older style of history wasn't totally imbalanced; in fact, I remember learning history (social studies) in elemenatary school (public), and I don't remember only political history being studied. Of course I was in public shool from 1963 to 1976. The early 60s like that wouldn't have enough time to change the textbooks that much. (I remember reading about founding fathers being slave owners---but I also remember the quote by Ben Frankiln saying slavery is "an atrocious debasement of human nature" and "a source of serious evils.."

From this site:

http://www.heritage.org/research/americanfoundingandhistory/wp01.cfm

When delegates convened at Philadelphia to write a new constitution, however, strong sectional interests supported the maintenance of slavery and the slave trade. "The real difference of interests," Madison noted, "lay not between large and small states but between the Northern and Southern states. The institution of slavery and its consequences formed a line of discrimination." In order to get the unified support needed for the Constitution's ratification and successful establishment, the framers made certain concessions to the pro-slavery interests. The compromises they agreed to, however, were designed to tolerate slavery where it currently existed, not to endorse or advance the institution. 

(A good site to see is this one, How the Founding Fathers Fought For an End to Slavery, http://american_almanac.tripod.com/ffslave.htm.)

 

The 60s and 70s were definitely the eras where history started to be rewritten; emphasis was being slowly changed from patriotic "hero worship" (which wasn't too bad, yet was probably not really balanced) to transforming our founding fathers into horribly flawed individuals (and not at all balanced), and then emphasizing minorities and women over and above all else. I think it's a great thing to put some lights onto the women in the shadows, (as well as the minorities)--the hand that rocks the cradle, the woman behind the man, etc. The only problem I have is the wide swing to imbalance, in the opposite direction. American History is filled with great men and women, "minorities or otherwise", and a majority of them, are ones we will never know their name. A balance is needed, unbiased if at all possible. (In other words, definitely seek out Primary Sources, and not just whatever you find on the internet without knowing what their agenda might be.)

 

Wanting a balance, I would be looking at sites that include primary sources. When you go to a website, look at their "About Me" or "Our Mission" links to find out if they have an agenda, or if they are presenting history balanced. I'm sure I'm a bit more cautious in this "revisionist" time in our history, than I need to be, but "your mileage may vary."

 

So these are some of the links I found that might be helpful in putting together a study of Women in History for your student.

 

Here's a bit of fun for Women's History Month: 

History Quizes having to do with women in history.

http://www.infoplease.com/games/womens-history-quiz.html

 

Women in World History (link from the above) presents primary sources from around the world:  http://chnm.gmu.edu/wwh/sources.php    

(Example: Dona Marina, Cortes' Translator -

http://chnm.gmu.edu/wwh/p/163.html)

 

National Women's History Project   http://www.nwhp.org/  

With their Resource Center (http://www.nwhp.org/resourcecenter/index.php),  which gives quite a few outside links... I would not endorse all links on that page...

 

An interesting resource that you will have to find:  Godey's Lady's Book. It can be found here:  http://www.history.rochester.edu/godeys/  What ladys aspired to in the 19th century.

Donna Conner lives in Fort Worth, TX with her husband, Glenn, their son, Mike, Donna's mother, Charlotte, and their dog, Lucia. Donna and Glenn homeschooled their son since the beginning of his education. Mike graduated from homeschooling in the fall of 2008. Donna is an artist and has always enjoyed writing. She wrote Homeschooling Only One in 2003, after discovering that there were many other families homeschooling only one child. Her website is devoted to those with only one student in their homeschool, with listings of online resources. You can find these free resources, including a message board for those who HOO, on her website at http://donnac.com and read her blog at:

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/DonnaC

copyright © 2010 Donna Conner ~~ All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of author, except in the case of brief passages embodied in critical reviews and articles where the title and author are listed.

• Post A Comment!

Mar. 4, 2010 - Communication Corner ~ Are You a Homeschool Co op Leader?

• Post A Comment!

Mar. 3, 2010 - Homeschooling Through High School ~ Engage! (Part 4 of 4)

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. (Matthew 5:13-15)

***

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?  (Matthew 5:43-47)

***

For the last 3 weeks, I've encouraged parents of high school students to look at their teenaged children through a lens which sees them as "emerging adults."  I hope you've taken some time to do that!  Moms and Dads, we have taken such care to keep our children out of the worldly environment of the public school system; out of the worldly snares of the "casual dating" culture; out of the worldly and wicked pull of Hollywood's cesspool.  It's part of why we homeschool.  Maybe it's all of why you homeschool!

But...Moms and Dads...there are those verses, staring us in the face.  When is it time to send out our young adults to "engage" in the battle?

"Engage" is, for my purposes here, a military term.  It means to "enter the fight."  New recruits aren't sent into battle without adequate training (unless there is no other alternative...meaning the battle is about to be lost).  But neither do they enter into training for the purpose of staying in training beyond what is necessary.  They enter into training for the purpose of finishing it and then entering into battle.  Of course, they never stop learning and gaining wisdom...but they enter the battle.

Folks, God created our children for Himself.  He created them to serve Him...not us.  They bless us, yes.  They can work with us, as young adults, yes.  But, when they enter their adult years...even their young adult years...we'd better make good and sure that we're not holding on so tight that we prevent them from exploring and entering into the service of their Lord and King that He has created for them. 

Do they need to jump into the world's "sewer" to serve Him?  Only if He has called them to do so.  And only if we've given them the training to do so without getting "killed" (spiritually) out there.  The message I'm trying to share is that we, as parents of these emergent adults, need to be training them to be salt and light...in whatever area He calls them to.  Do not make the mistake of hiding their light under a bushel.  They are to be light for all the world.  A city set on a hill.  As you approach the end of the high school years, begin to turn your teen's works towards the pleasure, delight, and reward of their Heavenly Father. 

They are His, afterall.

May God Bless you and your homeschool this week!

~Lori

Lori Havens has been married to Kevin for 24 years.  They live in Illinois with their two sons, Bryan (17) and Nathan (16), and dog Sunny (9).  Lori enjoys writing, gardening, reading, and the outdoors.  She hosts the "Thursday Talkin' About Teenagers" meme at her HSB blog, "Plans4You," and is the author of "Should I Be A Nurse? A Journey of Self-Exploration for Those Considering a Career in Nursing" and  "7 Essential Questions Every Future Nurse Must Ask."      You can find her blogging at both Homeschool Blogger and Homestead Blogger  .

• Post A Comment!

Mar. 3, 2010 - Kitchen Moments ~ Historical Cookbooks

Feeding America: The Historic American Cookbook Project is a great resource for adding interest to your Women’s History studies.  The project is an online library of historical cookbooks dating from 1798-1922. Titles like the following should give some insight into the cooking and kitchen duties of women in days past and how things have changed over the years. 

The American Woman's Home: Or, Principles of Domestic Science; Being a Guide to the Formation and Maintenance of Economical, Healthful, Beautiful, and Christian Homes.
By: Catharine Esther Beecher

The Good Housekeeper: Or, The Way To Live Well And To Be Well While We Live: Containing Directions For Choosing And Preparing Food, In Regard To Health, Economy And Taste.
By: Sarah Josepha Buell Hale

Domestic Cookery, Useful Receipts, and Hints to Young Housekeepers.
By: Elizabeth E. Lea

Have fun perusing the cookbooks of long ago.  Some of the recipes and information are still quite helpful today.

Blessings,

Catherine

Catherine Love lives in the heart of Texas with her husband Carl, and their 3 daughters, Sarah, Hannah, and Cana.  They enjoy cooking, gardening, and learning new things as they seek to live a lifestyle of learning together as a family.  You can read Catherine's Kitchen Adventures and more on her blog- Seeds of Love.

• Post A Comment!

<- Last Page • Next Page ->